Every school bus being used for the transportation of children shall be equipped with a radio or telephonic communication device that will allow the driver of the bus to call for or receive calls for assistance in the event of an emergency. All costs associated with the purchase of communication devices and if applicable, the associated line charges, will be the responsibility of the State. All costs for use of communication devices for non 911 communications shall be the responsibility of the school district. Notwithstanding the above, any school district shall be free to absorb any such costs to its own account.